REACHing CONNECTing GROWing DISCOVERing HONORing God
These are the 7 tasks of effective shepherds
They form the biblical foundation for our job description as small group leaders.
Shepherds build "first-name" relationships with youth.
He calls his own sheep by name ... His sheep follow him because they know his voice. 10.-3-4
Within your group know your students by name.
They will respond to you and your voice when you know them on an intimate level.
Shepherds lead by example.
He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 10.-3
Students will follow our lead.
In every meeting with our group we need to model integrity and godly living.
Shepherds maintain a fresh, growing edge.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead and his sheep follow. 10:4
If we want to produce mature and godly students,
we must be mature and godly people.
We need to constantly be seeking growth in our own lives.
Shepherds provide a safe environment.
I am the gate whoever enters through me will be saved. 1O:9
Obviously we can't save youth,
but we can provide a safe environment for them.
Shepherds feed the flock.
He will come in and go out and find pasture. 10:9
Though we don't all have the spiritual gift of teaching,
we all must be able to provide some spiritual nourishment for the flock.
Any mature believer can do this with adequate effort and preparation.
Shepherds protect from predators.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep a hired hand cares no thing for the sheep. IO:11,13
This world is full people and forces that prey on our youth.
Each volunteer must be on the lookout for all kinds of dangers in student's lives.
Shepherds maintain harmonious relationships.
There shall be one flock and one shepherd. 10.-16
The big picture is that we serve Jesus Christ and His flock.
As we submit to Christ we will find it easier to submit to one another in love.